Man Utd could torpedo Liverpool’s Mane succession plan with £64m winger, but Ten Hag eyes alternative
Man Utd scouts were in attendance to watch Liverpool target Arnaut Danjuma sink Bayern Munich on Wednesday, though a report has revealed a potential Erik ten Hag issue.
The Netherlands international has gone from strength to strength since moving to Villarreal from Bournemouth last summer. Danjuma, 25, cost Unai Emery’s side around £21m, though that deal already looks like a masterstroke for the Spaniards.
Indeed, Danjuma has operated at around one goal in two with 14 strikes in his first 29 matches. The Champions League in particular has proved a happy hunting ground with six goals in nine.
Danjuma notched the game’s only goal on Wednesday night as Villarreal secured a surprise first leg victory over Bayern Munich in the quarter finals.
His displays this season have seen him draw links with Liverpool. Indeed, Goal recently revealed the flying winger has been identified by Liverpool’s recruitment team as a potential successor to Sadio Mane.
The Senegalese forward is under contract at Anfield until 2023. But if a new agreement can’t be reached, Danjuma is reportedly one forward they’ve identified that could fill the void.
However, the Daily Mail now reports Manchester United are in the mix.
Danjuma could offset triple exit
The Red Devils are poised to lose Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani as free agents this summer.
Even if no other forwards beyond that trio leave, United will need to sign at least one new attacker to ensure they have adequate strength in depth. Mason Greenwood remains unavailable indefinitely amid an ongoing police investigation.
The article states United had scouts in attendance on Wednesday night with Danjuma watched closely.
It’s confirmed the Red Devils are among a whole host of clubs monitoring the Dutchman who reportedly holds a release clause worth £64m in his contract.
However, it’s suggested there may already be a conflict regarding a potential Danjuma pursuit.
Widespread reports have put Erik ten Hag in line to become the club’s next permanent manager.
It’s claimed the Ajax boss could bring Brazilian forward Antony with him from Amsterdam. Doing so may render a Danjuma deal surplus to requirements with other areas of United’s squad in desperate need of attention.
Central midfield is understood to be United’s main priority in the summer window. The Manchester Evening News claimed a deal for Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips is being worked on right now.
He – or any of their other high profile targets such as Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham – would not come cheap.
